Boholano teen becomes viral celebrity

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Bohol’s First Lady and Balilihan Vice Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto on the death of Loy Palapos: “Farewell Sir Loy! Loreto "Loy" Monceda Palapos safely returned to His Creator on the day of love, Valentine's Day, February 14, 2015. Among his many other community involvements, Sir Loy committed himself to dedicated service for decades in the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was BCCI President from 2001 to 2006. He was at the helm when BCCI first hosted the Visayas Area Business Conference which earned BCCI the recognition as Outstanding Chamber in the entire Visayas Region by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sir Loy, our Outgoing BCCI President, having been reelected as such in 2013, had the chamber in his heart even in the remaining few days of his life. He was texting the BCCI Board of Trustees inspiring and encouraging each of us to maximise attendance and participation in the then forthcoming BCCI General Assembly. Little did we know that that would be his last text to us.  Thank you, Sir Loy! May you have eternal rest in the loving arms of your Creator.” On the other hand, Ariel Fullido of Centerstage Band, who worked with Loy for 20 years shared, “All through his busy life...a dedicated civic leader, educator/professor/teacher, PR man, media practitioner, writer/columnist, broadcaster, manager, a disciplinarian and perfectionist, a friend forever, and a loving family man.”

 

Scene: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also joined the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in lamenting the death of radioman Engr. Maurito Lim. “The killing of Maurito Lim is a despicable and cowardly act of the highest order. The IFJ expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of Maurito Lim,” said IFJ Asia Pacific acting director Jane Worthington. The NUJP said it had "run out of condemnation in the face of the murder of yet another colleague."  A P170,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer of Chairman Mau. The Bohol Provincial Police Office thru PSSupt Dennis Agustin announced the offer as it formed Task Force Mao to probe Lim's murder. see video

 

Scene: Showbiz reporter Chesca Litton and businessman Tyke Kalaw tied the knot at Eskaya Beach Resort in Bohol exactly on Valentine’s Day.

 

Scene: We Are All God’s Children: A Concert for a Cause is on March 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center Tagbilaran City. It will feature inspirational diva Jamie Rivera and The Singing Priests of Tagbilaran with guest Jerome Sala, ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million champion. All proceeds from the concert will go towards St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish renovation fund.  Tickets are available at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish Office.

 

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As Jenali Alexis Mandin Calipusan meandered through the Island City Mall on Sunday, most of the hundreds of shoppers malling around didn't realize that a self-made, global social media phenomenon was in their midst.

 

But Shiela Mae Aquino knew.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan has become an Internet Belieber. –LPU

Alexis and friend Cyril Cailing passed her near the mall escalators. Her eyes widened. She nudged cousin Gia Aquino and mouthed the words, “That's Justin Bieber of Bohol!”

 

Alexis and Cyril made their way to the Activity Center to perform.

 

Other Holynamians who watched Sunday’s event at ICM went to see Alexis and Cyril and posed for pictures.

 

To hundreds of thousands of teens and students, Alexis has the voice of Justin Bieber, also an internet-born star.

 

They scream when they hear her singing Justin’s songs.

 

And more or less, she can be Justin’s lost twin if Alexis would clad in t-shirts and jeans and accessorized with sports hats or hoodies!

 

Since posting her first YouTube music video on Sept. 6, 2013 by a certain Ashley Uy, Alexis has become an Internet Belieber.   She has created a buzz that her YouTube video covering Justin Bieber's “U Smile” has 390,000 views. She is not lip-syncing but it is her real voice.

 

For Alexis, her rise to Internet stardom was a mix of the right song at the right time.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan as a member of the world-famous
 Loboc Children’s Choir.-Contributed.

“Shocked and blessed, it’s worth it... akong paghuwat,” said the 18-year-old Alexis.

 

Alexis has been posting several videos of her singing, most of which are tagged with "Justin Biber Voice-A-Like."

 

Alexis also shared her cover of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud," which has garnered thousand views on YouTube and thousands shares on Facebook.

 

“I'm excited and happy,” said Alexis, clad in a black T-shirt and gray pants with hoodies. “I love music!”

 

Belieber

She sounds like Justin’s. Her voice is a replication of Justin’s and Alexis can dance as well. She does a lot of things that are very appealing.

 

A Belieber since 2009, Justin’s music inspired Alexis.

 

“He inspired me so much," said Alexis.

 

She chose U Smile, Catching Feelings and Believe as her favorite songs.

 

In 2013, Alexis who was a Criminology student at HNU met Cyril, an IT student, who is a guitarist. The two clicked on music and formed the group JAM-C.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan and Cyril Cailing
are making beautiful music together.- LPU

Alexis’ meteoric rise has taken the family by surprise.

 

Alexis’ family always knew she had a special spark to share. Now, thanks to her love of singing and a YouTube video gone viral, the world knows it too.

 

Apparently, Alexis is not new in singing. She was a member of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. She had toured Europe, the USA and China together with the other members of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

 

Her mother, Jeniffer, noticed her talent in singing.

 

“We just support her,” Jeniffer said.

 

Alexis has stopped schooling. She helps her mother in their carenderia, the Tres Hermanas, in Poblacion, Loboc town.

 

The YouTube star has only one thing to say about reaching your dreams: Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time. You just have to be patient and wait for it.

 

Youtube Reactions

Youtube users were amazed by how Alexis’ voice resembled with that of Justin.

 

“This is awesome. I've been listening to your voice.. and damn you sreallly sound like justin bieber !! \m/ You must be in The Ellen show.. well, i'm way addicted to all of your covers..” said Roselle Carrera.

 

“kaboses talaga! Justin Bieber should watch this! or Scooter Braun,” said Irish Gasmen.

 

SCJ commented: “Woah i thought he was lip singing at first. He sounds just like justin! so cool…..but whats his name? It cant be lady alexis “

 

Another youtube user Firerose23 said, “You're really good and sounds like Justin Bieber! Keep it up :) +TheEllenShow you should see this!”

 

Meanwhile, some netizens forwarded Alexis’ video to Ellen Degeneres and requested her to invite her on her show. Although there is no response from Ellen, the TV host is known for inviting Pinoy singers to perform on her show.

 

ABS-CBN reported about Alexis on their news website. ABS-CBN's daily morning show Umagang Kay Ganda also featured Alexis on Feb. 16.

 

(Note: Catch Jenali Alexis Calipusan and her music tonight on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA 7.)

 

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Oscars 2015: Who will win? Who should win?

 

The 87th Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The stars will be out in full force for the ceremony, but who will take home the famous golden statuette?

 

Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2015.

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will Win: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

Could Win: Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)

Should Win: Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will Win: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)

Could Win: Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

Should Win:  LauraDern (Wild)

 

BEST ACTOR

Will Win:  Eddie Redmayne  (The Theory of Everything)

Could Win: Michael Keaton (Birdman)

Should Win: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler).

 

BEST ACTRESS

Will Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)  

Could Win: Reese Witherspoon (Wild)

Should Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)  

 

BEST DIRECTOR 

Will Win:  RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

Could Win: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman)

Should win:  RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

 

BEST PICTURE

Will Win: Birdman

Could Win: Birdman

Should Win: Boyhood 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Ima Leopardas is loveless but happy

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to Aster Caberte, Central Visayas Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for having been chosen Best DTI Executive in the Philippines during the recent "SPRInts (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) Huwarang DTI 2015" awarding ceremonies.

 

Why do we need a designated holiday to celebrate love? -LPU

Scene: From Reigh Monreal this info: Congratulations to the Bohol Island State University (BISU) for being listed by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) among the Top 5 performing teacher education institutions in the country in Category B (500 to 999 takers from 2009 to 2014) with a running passing average of 85% for both BEEd and BSEd. The other four: De La Salle University (Manila), 99%; University of Saint La Salle (Bacolod), 86%; Ateneo de Naga (Bicol), 85%; and University of Southeastern Philippines (Tagum), 85%. Tops in Category A (1,000 and above examinees): University of the Philippines – Diliman, 97%; University of Santo Tomas, 94%; Philippine Normal University (Manila), 93%; St. Louis University (Baguio), 87%; and Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), 90%.

 

Scene: The Splash Day the 13th at the University of Bohol. “If you are an alumni/alumna and you wish you experienced this kind of fun during your time! don't worry ... you will have your chance... just join us in our Grand Alumni Homecoming this July 2016,” says Janice Aurora Tirol, Ph.D., dean of Student Personnel  Services.

 

Scene: Valentine gimmicks were held at different schools in Bohol.  To spice up their V-day celebration, the students of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School had love wall, kasal-kasalan, love knot, et al . One student said, "I am taken by you." On the other hand, people bought flowers at downtown Tagbilaran a day before Valentine's Day. Prices of fresh blooms escalated on Friday morning. According to Boholano florist Eddie Dahunog of Eva's Flowershop, there was a low supply of flowers. Dahunog added that some people were practical that instead of buying fresh flowers they preferred V-items made of plastic. “People are practical now that kahit plastic basta makapgabigay lang sa kanyang minahal. Kasi sabi nila ang plastic forever daw ang presko hindi tumatagal. The most important is your true love,” said Dahunog.

 

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Would you believe that beauty queen Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas has been loveless for  many years now (her last boyfriend was when she was in high school)? How does Ima cope with this barrenness in her lovelife?

 

"I'm fine," said Ima who has signed a non-exclusive contract with OMG (www.mikeygatal.com/ www.omg755.com/www.boholster.com) of US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal (who took his oath as US citizen last yesterday, Feb. 14).  The contract signing was attended by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Marjo Gatal-Dumas and Kiss FM dj Robert James.

 

Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas:
 ‘Love is a choice and when you choose to love,
 you choose to get hurt.’ Courtesy: Miss Bohol

“OMG! I love it! The moment I knew that I was gonna be one of the endorsers, I really thanked Mr. Mikey Gatal for choosing me,” said Ima, a BS in Psychology Major in Industrial Psychology School student at Bohol Island State University- Main Campus. “This has been one of my dreams and OMG turned it into a reality. And I am in love with the charity works that we've been doing because that is so me.”

 

During the contract signing, Mikey expressed his gladness on Ima and other models as OMG models. "Ima is beautiful and talented.”

 

On Valentine’s Day, Imma together with other OMG models Neil Namuag, Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Pham Marzon, Erika Gatal abd Gercy Daraido had a charity event in Baclayon, Ima’s hometown.

 

“It’s one of the most amazing things in my whole life! The first thing I know was I was once a pupil of Baclayon Central Elementary School and the next thing I know, I am leading a charity work, and that just felt really amazing,” shared Ima. “And it made me feel really happy knowing that I served as an inspiration and a good example to those children.”

 

Ima is loveless. She has remained fancy-free, so a VRS Q&A with her focused on her present state of being.

 

What keeps you busy? I'm busy being myself. One day, I found myself dreaming about making my family proud and the next day, I found myself living that dream. There is one thing that I would like to always do in my life and that is to make my mother be really happy and that's what I'm doing now. I am busy learning everything about life so that I can make each day count. I have this habit of inspiring people for as far as I know, dreams do come true. Everyday, I think of the many things that I can be and I never stop discovering and improving myself, for I know that life is a gift and I don't have an intent of wasting it.

 

Who/what inspires you?  My family is my inspiration. Even if I haven't seen my father for eight years for he has to work abroad, even if I would say that really, my life story is like the MMK on TV and even if we have been through those many darkest moments in life, still I learned. I learned that life can be unfair, but one should always get up no matter how many times you fall. And it strucks me to the point that I will do anything just to make them happy and proud. I love my family so much. (Ima’s parents are Engr. Eleazar Leopardas, Sr. and  Ma. Gloria (nee Edubas). Her supportive siblings are Vanessa Joy, Roman Ceferino and Eleazar Jr.- LPU)

How long do you think you can survive being single? Honestly, this question made me smile. Well, I have this theory and it is a theory of bread. You like eating a piece of bread only if there is a sandwich spread.

 

Ima Leopardas with her fellow OMG models (l-r): Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Gercy Daraido , Erika Gatal,
Pham Marzon and Neil Namuag. Courtesy: Roger Gatal

Now what happens if there's no more sandwich spread? Well you have to eat and enjoy the bread and hope for the better sandwich spread that you may have next time. The sandwich spread stands for the person you fall in love with, and the bread is you. You see, there will always be that one person who can make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time. But in my case, I am not searching for someone because I am waiting for the right one. I wouldn't mind waiting too long, for the love from my family, best friends and supporters are more than enough to me.

 

With you, once a relationship is over, it’s over na jud, no more second time around? Any kind of relationship deserves a second chance, for this time, you realized how much you really care for that person and by that, you don't want to lose the person again. But if circumstances won't allow you to be together again, I think it's best to let it go. It will hurt, of course it will really hurt for it was true. Everything happens for a reason. The most important thing there is, you have to learn from it, accept it, move on and be better, not bitter.

 

What lessons (or “mistakes”) did you learn from your past relationship that will guide you in your future relationship?  I loved too much, that is the mistake. It was way back in high school and that was my first love. I have no regrets, for the person made me happy and made me see how beautiful people can be, just the way they are. Everything I learned about love and pain, I owe it to my past and I am forever thankful for that. But at the end of the day, the past has turned me into the best version of myself because I chose to look at the positive side of life.

 

Love can wait, says Ima. Courtesy: Miss Bohol

What is love to you? Love is when you give it first to someone who deserves it and that someone should be yourself. Love is a choice and when you choose to love, you choose to get hurt. Love isn't love until someone asks you what is love and you cannot explain it, because you only feel it. Love is when all you ever wanted was to make that person happy, even if you're not the reason behind that happiness.

 

What is your favorite love quote? "Love is not blind. It sees but it doesn't mind." We love people the hard way, we love people the wrong way, but in the end, it will never be about how many lovers you had, for it is about how true you are when you fall in love.

 

How does a single girl spend Valentine’s? A typical single girl spends Valentine's Day by liking the Facebook status of those happily inlove Facebook friends, she would look like she's not jealous of those girls who had a lot to receive on Heart's Day and she secretly hopes that someone would offer her some flowers and chocolates. You might ask me why I know all these things, so here's the answer: Yes, I'm single.

 

What’s your most memorable Valentine? I surprised my mother with a personalised gift which was from my savings, I wrote her a letter and I spent February 14 with her, that was my most memorable Valentine's Day. Every year, I always surprise my mother, not only on a Valentine's Day but also on her special occasions like her birthday. I never get tired on making her happy because seeing her smile makes me happy, too.

 

What qualities do you look for in a guy? Someone who has a good morale, someone taller than me, the one whom I can learn more about life, someone not just with the looks but also with a stable job, someone three or four years older than me, is honest, loyal, respectful to his mother, the one who knows how to make me laugh and can handle me at my worst and most of all, the one who can make me feel in love again...now that's what others may say "the impossible to find" kind of man. But I believe that that someone exists somewhere and at the right time and at the right place, I am going to see that man in God's will.

 

Who is your celebrity dream date? Mario Maurer. I really like him because he is the kind of handsome who is really humble and that makes him even more handsome. I really cannot forget his role in his movie, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and he really looks so cute.

 

Nonetheless, there is no hurry for Ima.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Oscars 2015: Who will win? Who should win?

The 87th Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

The stars will be out in full force for the ceremony, but which actors will end up taking home the famous golden statuette?

Think you can predict the Oscars?  Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2015.

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Will Win: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Could Win: Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)
Should Win: Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Will Win: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
Could Win: Meryl Streep (Into the Woods) Should Win: LauraDern (Wild)

 BEST ACTOR
 Will Win: Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
Could Win: Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Should Win: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler).

 BEST ACTRESS 
Will Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
 Could Win: Reese Witherspoon (Wild)
Should Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)

 BEST DIRECTOR 
 Will Win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)
Could Win: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman)
Should win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

 BEST PICTURE 
Will Win: Birdman
Could Win: Birdman
Should Win: Boyhood

Message to parents/anti-vaxxers: Measles can kill!

In 2014, my one-year old niece Jessae Mae Udtohan-Jala had measles.

Jessa Mae had runny nose, fever, cough and sore, red and swollen eyes. She had rash over her body. Jessa Mae was tired. She was not in the mood.

The doctor said Jessa Mae had measles.

Measles is a very contagious infection caused by the rubeola virus.

I had measles when I was a kid. We were told that a person can have measles once in his/her lifetime. Maybe true but I had measles twice in my lifetime but not that worse when I was kid. I remember that there were parents who thought measles was just a simple disease by leaving their children to stay at home without taking medication resulting to have death.

Even people who were vaccinated, some might still get it. Why? Health workers explain that the measles vaccine works about 95 percent of the time.

Jessa Mae was one of the beneficiaries of the free measles and polio vaccination in the country as part of the program of the Department of Health every January of the year.

And that’s for free.

“The vaccination is free and available in barangay,” said Paulina Udtohan, 60, Jessa Mae’s grandmother.

So there’s no reason that a parent can’t bring her child to the nearest barangay health center.

Paulina also believes that there are no side effects.

Measles is so highly contagious that before there was vaccination, for every case of measles, nine-out-of-ten people exposed would end up getting measles. It’s that contagious.

To intensify the campaign, village health workers do house to house info drive to urge parents to have their children immunized against measles in any government health center.

The message: Measles is a highly contagious disease and fatal.

“Although it is not a forced vaccine program,” said Paulina. “It’s up to the parents to have their children vaccinated.”

Personally, my nephews and niece had Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) shots and I didn’t see any signs of “plastic immunity” in them. I hope there’s nothing to worry.

Most of the parents fear that vaccination may cause further complications as children will develop “plastic immunity.” But I think there’s a little evidence on it. If the children are healthy or no serious health concerns, they should be vaccinated.

In the Philippines, there is a massive campaign and constant health education programs that are being conducted especially those who reportedly refused to accept immunization because of their belief.  These people may not be compelled to undergo immunization, but they were told to also consider the welfare of others.

 I don’t have kids but if ever I have kids I will make sure they would receive anti-measles and polio vaccinations. I don’t hear serious side effects from being immunized but I heard some deaths because of the complications from measles. We don’t know when an outbreak occur, prevention is better than cure.

I was thinking measles outbreak can only happen in developing countries like Philippines. While Philippines is aiming for a measles-free country, the US has growing unvaccinated people.

Immunization has saved more lives in Philippines in the last 10 years than any other health measure. If we can do it here in the Philippines, other countries can.